Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith has directed the government to take effective measures to tackle the rising inflation rate and the depreciation of the Lao kip currency within the next month.
Luxury in Every Detail: A Thoughtful Celebration of Love at Dorsett Kai Tak

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2024 – Opening its doors on September 26th, Dorsett Kai Tak is set to be Hong Kong’s most desired wedding destination. Believing true hospitality lies in attention to detail, Dorsett guides couples through their Wedding Journey – from planning to the big day – providing unparalleled personalised service every step of the way.

The Dorsett Kai Tak Wedding Journey*
● Pre-wedding meal plans with Nutrition Kitchen
● Custom Signature Wedding Cocktail masterclass at Jin Bo Law, Dorsett Kai Tak’s Skybar
● A Signature Wedding Scent workshop with BeCandle
● After party catering by Shake Shack
● Complimentary 1-night stay at Premier City Sky View Room with breakfast for two
Magnificent banquets start from HK$12,388 for lunch and HK$16,388 for dinner (12 guests per table). Banquets take place in the impressive 415 sq.m Grand Ballroom, featuring 7m double-height ceilings and a 4K LED display.
*The Wedding Journey is complimentary for couples who commit to a minimum of 10 tables for dinner and 15 tables for lunch.
Couples can opt for an outdoor ceremony at the podium area, featuring an iridescent backdrop of the new “Pearl of the Orient” Hong Kong Stadium, for only an additional HK$388 per person.
For more details on the wedding package, please visit the Dorsett Kai Tak Wedding Package.
Inspired by marina lifestyle, the new Dorsett Kai Tak flagship hotel will offer balcony suites and interconnecting room options. The hotel will also feature a Presidential Harbour View Pool Suite with its own 10-metre lap pool, and Garden Penthouse Harbour View Two-Bedroom Suite.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #DorsettKaiTak
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dorsett Hospitality International
Dorsett Hospitality International is a rapidly expanding hotel group headquartered in Hong Kong. With a presence in 22 major cities worldwide and a total of 53 properties, we offer a diverse range of accommodations through our four core brands: Dorsett Hotels, Dao by Dorsett, d.Collection, and Silka. The group has hotels located in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Continental Europe. To learn more about DHI, visit www.dorsett.com.
Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Address: 43 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Website: https://www.dorsetthotels.com/dorsett-kai-tak
Facebook @dorsettkaitak | Instagram
@dorsettkaitak
Street Dance@Mikiki – 5 Paris Landmark Immersive Check-in Positions + 3 Street Dance Interactive Experiences + Summer Offers

Hip-hop Elements Infused in Parisian Street Scenes, Immerse Yourself in the Street Dance Fever
Popular Singers and a Local Dance Group Cheering the Athletes On and Spicing Up the Vibe
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2024 – This summer, the sports event every 4 years will commence in Paris, with Break Dance being a competition item for the first time, appearing on the international stage and attracting the public! With “Street Dance @Mikiki” as the theme, different Hip-Hop elements are infused in the Parisian landmark scenes, including the Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, Love Lock Bridge, Hip Hop Graffiti Wall, and French Cafe, together with street dance-themed interactive game zones from 20 July to 11 August at Mikiki. Let’s immerse in the street dance fever and embark on an exciting journey!

Besides, street dance performances will be held on designated dates. Well-known street dance experts will perform extempore, elevating the atmosphere to the peak!
[Street Dance @Mikiki] Street Dance Themed Installations
Date: 20 July to 11 August 2024
Time: 10 am – 10 pm
Location: Mikiki G/F Atrium, Zone A (near Lukfook Jewellery) and Zone B (near Starbucks)
Hashtag: #Mikiki
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Phu Quoc named world’s second best island in the world

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2024 – The World’s Best Awards 2024 by renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure has named the “surprise factor” Phu Quoc of Viet Nam as the 2nd best island in the world, after the Maldives.

A rising star on the global tourism map
In addition to naming the most incredible cities and hotels across the globe, the World’s Best Awards 2024 has a category for honouring islands worldwide. According to Travel + Leisure, these destinations promise visitors a heavenly retreat with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
186,000 readers worldwide voted based on natural experiences, beaches, local cuisine, human factor and value offered to visitors. As the biggest surprise on the list, Phu Quoc is the only Vietnamese destination to make the list, scoring 94.41 points, just over one point behind the first-place Maldives and surpassing Bali (Indonesia) – which ranked 3rd with 93.26 points.
“The top three winners included two destinations that need little introduction: The Maldives (first) and Bali (third). But sneaking in at number two is the under-the-radar Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc,” noted Travel + Leisure.
While some islands in Southeast Asia are developing rapidly, Phu Quoc’s preservation of its untouched and tranquil nature has put it not only the list, but nearly at the top of the world.
International tourists, especially those from temperate countries, including South Korea, Europe fall in love with Phu Quoc due to its wonderful nature, with a mild climate, warm sunshine year-round, rolling mountains and vast seas with 28 large and small islands and 150km of coastline. Many beaches, including Bai Kem and Bai Sao, whose beauty changes throughout four seasons, have been internationally recognised.
However, this does not mean Phu Quoc lacks unique experiences or luxurious amenities. New World Phu Quoc – a resort invested by Sun Group – was honoured in the top 100 best hotels in the world. In the list, it is one of only two Vietnamese representatives in this prestige guide.
Located by the beautiful Bai Kem with white creamy sand, the resort is a tranquil hideaway with stunning ocean views, lush tropical gardens and luxurious villas.

Visa-free access to the island
Currently, Phu Quoc is the only place in Viet Nam to apply for a special visa, an exemption policy which offers many advantages. According to Resolution No.80/NQ-CP of the Vietnamese Government, Phu Quoc Economic Zone, Kien Giang Province, is a coastal economic zone applying visa exemption for foreigners entering and staying for up to 30 days.
Foreigners entering an international border gate of Viet Nam (including by air and sea), staying in the transit area of that border gate and then transferring to Phu Quoc island, are also exempt from visas under this regulation.
This is a ‘golden ticket’ for many tourists to a multi-experience tropical paradise. Besides the natural elements, what international tourists love about Phu Quoc are the unique experiences, making the trip not limited to just experiencing the stunning beaches and glorious waters.
Pearl Island features entertainment complexes that few places in Viet Nam can match. Sunset Town – an entertainment complex with the largest total investment in Viet Nam of up to USD157.4 million, offering visitors fun experiences day and night. The festival atmosphere covers the island throughout four seasons with daily firework shows.
Kiss Bridge – an iconic work praised by CNN for its design – is the most romantic sunset and beach check-in point. Highlights also include Kiss of the Sea – the world-class multimedia show, VUI-Fest Bazaar – Viet Nam’s first seaside night market and A Oi – Viet Nam’s first seaside puppet theatre.
Visitors can also easily connect to Hon Thom Island via the world’s longest three-wire sea cable car, leading to the ‘Land of a Million Joys’ Sun World Hon Thom.
Not only is it featured on international rankings, but the recent increase in flight frequency to the island also confirms Phu Quoc’s attraction to international tourists. In the first six months of 2024, there were 1,947 international flights to Phu Quoc, a 186% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with new direct flights from Korean Air, Jin Air, Jeju Air of South Korea, StarLux, Tiger Air of Taiwan (China), and direct flights from Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.
Experts forecast Phu Quoc could welcome up to 14.6 million visitors in 2024. The island will join major Asian tourist centres, including Bali and the Maldives, to offer visitors a paradise of relaxation and entertainment.
Hashtag: #SunGroup #PhuQuoc
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
XTransfer Receives In-Principle-Approval For MPI License from Monetary Authority of Singapore
Facilitating Cross-Border Remittances for Local SMEs
Hashtag: #Singapore #XTransfer #MAS #MPI #IPA #MonetaryAuthorityofSingapore
https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/18215108/
https://twitter.com/XTransferGlobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
XTransfer
XTransfer, World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing SMEs with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment & fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 450,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China.
By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, Internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on small and medium enterprises. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and small and medium enterprises around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.
XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.
PSB Academy celebrates 60th Birthday with interactive installations to showcase upskilling opportunities for Singaporeans

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2024 – In celebration of its 60th anniversary, PSB Academy (PSBA), one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, is hosting a series of interactive installations to showcase the various upskilling and reskilling opportunities for Singaporeans across all walks of life in a fun and informative way.

Themed ‘Skill Up, Stand Out with PSB Academy’, visitors will get a first look at PSBA’s latest line-up of courses for students in Singapore and can meet with consultants who can share more about these courses. This initiative aligns with the government’s recent push to make skills upgrading easier for working adults and their vision to bring high-quality, industry-relevant programs offered by private education providers into the higher education landscape.
Celebrating 60 Years of Making Upskilling Accessible and Inclusive
These installations follow PSBA’s recent announcement of its S$3.5 million Diamond Jubilee Education Grant initiative, to support Singapore-based students in upskilling and reskilling and is a lead up to its 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration at the end of the year.
“For 60 years, PSB Academy has been a proud partner in Singapore’s educational landscape,” said Derrick Chang, Chief Executive Officer of PSB Academy. “By bringing these interactive installations directly to the public, we aim to make higher education more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to current industry needs. These experiences provide a welcoming platform for everyone to learn about the variety of courses we offer. It reaffirms our commitment to empowering Singaporeans with the skills they need to succeed in their careers, ultimately contributing to shaping Asia’s future leaders.”
Kicking off at Our Tampines Hub on July 19th to 21st, and followed by Westgate in August, visitors can also expect to:
- Explore a wide range of flexible, industry-relevant courses: Get a first-hand look at PSBA’s extensive part-time and full-time programmes offered in partnership with renowned global universities, covering over 18 disciplines and spanning academic levels from certificates, diploma to doctorates, align perfectly with the key messages shared by Minister Chan Chun Sing at the launch of SkillsFuture Festival 2024 theme of Recognising Skills, Building Careers.
- Echoing the SkillsFuture movement’s emphasis on enhancing career health through upskilling, PSB Academy’s programmes are designed to positively impact Singaporeans’ professional journeys. Collaboration with renowned global universities to provide a diverse and inclusive higher education will equip Singaporeans with essential skills for diverse careers, enhancing professional journeys and manpower development.
- PSB Academy shares the government’s vision of affordable lifelong learning, offering flexible programmes from pre-university to postgraduate levels, supporting continuous professional development and reducing opportunity costs for mature workers.
- Minister Chan highlighted the government’s commitment to making lifelong learning more affordable and accessible. PSB Academy shares this vision, offering flexible and affordable learning options for all stages of life. Our suite of programmes, from pre-university courses to postgraduate degrees, is structured to reduce opportunity costs for mature workers and support continuous professional development. This aligns with the government’s efforts to invest in Singaporeans throughout their lives, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
- Discover in-demand skills through interactive game booths: Participate in interactive game booths that highlight various skillsets in demand by employers. Participants have the opportunity to test their abilities and discover their potential in high-growth fields such as AI & Robotics, Engineering, Media and Communications, Sports Sciences, and Health and Life Sciences via engaging, skill-based challenges. *Participants can also stand a chance to win vouchers and attractive prizes such as JBL earbuds, 3D-Printed tokens and coasters, Balestier Khalsa’s jerseys and many more! When all game booths have been completed, players will be entitled to redeem a free goodie bag of PSBA’s Diamond Jubilee merchandise!
*While stocks last
Special appearance by PSB Academy’s long-time partner, Balestier Khalsa Football Club (FC): The athletes will be making a special appearance at Our Tampines Hub and Westgate, engaging participants at various stations such as the Diamond Dash and Balloon Buster stations that put your sports performance to the test! Bringing along 15 sets of the Balestier Khalsa team jerseys to hand out to some lucky participants at each location, the public will get to learn more about the marvels of sport sciences in our everyday lives.
“Our partnership with PSB Academy underlines our focus in sports science and data to optimise player performance and well-being,” said Don Darwin Jalil, Vice-Chairman, Balestier Khalsa Football Club. “PSB Academy’s facilities and expertise have significantly aided our preseason and match preparations. We are committed to our players’ post-sports careers and encourage them to explore educational opportunities at PSB Academy.”
‘Skill Up, Stand Out with PSB Academy’ pop-up installation
Date | Time | Location |
19-21 July | 11am-8pm
Special appearance by players from Balestier Khalsa FC daily, from 5pm to 7pm. |
Our Tampines Hub, Festive Walk East
Nearest MRT: Tampines |
7-11 August | 10.30am-8pm
Special appearance by players from Balestier Khalsa FC daily, on 7-8 August and 10-11 August, from 5pm to 7pm. |
Westgate, Level 2
Nearest MRT: Jurong East |
In line with the Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebration, PSB Academy will also be raising funds for Care Corner’s “Uplift for Life 2024” campaign through sales of its 60th merchandise to its staff and students. The campaign aims to raise funds for programmes that help break cycles and uplift lives of disadvantaged children, youths, families and seniors for the long-term.
Further event details and updates can be found on https://openhouse.psb-academy.edu.sg/60th-anniversary.
Hashtag: #PSBAcademy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PSB Academy:
As one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, PSB Academy proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking a heritage of almost six decades dedicated to shaping over 200,000 learners. With our campaign themed “Uncovering Diamonds,” we reflect on our journey and commitment to defining our identity as “Asia’s Future Academy.”
Established in 1964 under Singapore’s Economic Development Board, and later the Productivity and Standards Board, PSB Academy was founded to enhance the knowledge and skills of Singapore’s workforce. Our approach to education focuses on what truly matters: performance in the New Economy. We are dedicated to providing quality education that nurtures future-ready graduates equipped with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven world.
To bolster our commitment to excellence, we have recently launched the STEM Wing—an expansion of our City Campus. This innovation hotbed is equipped with high-tech, industry-approved labs and facilities designed to enhance STEM education for our students. Located in the heart of the city, our learning spaces foster global connectivity, offering a collaborative environment that prepares students to become agile innovators and contributors to society.
With a robust network of industry partners, PSB Academy ensures our students are well-prepared for the workforce. Today, we host over 17,000 students each year from more than 50 nationalities, offering a comprehensive slate of certificate, diploma, degree, and short courses.
As we commemorate this milestone, we remain dedicated to uncovering the diamonds within each learner, continuing our legacy of excellence and innovation for many more years to come.
Alpha Quest Appoints Shankar Jha as Managing Director, Group Head.

SINGAPORE, July 16, 2024 – Alpha Quest Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based Wealth Management Company, today announced the appointment of Shankar Jha as Managing Director, Group Head.

In his new role, Mr. Jha will manage investments for wealthy and sophisticated families and work on growing the firm’s franchise. Mr. Jha brings 25 years of experience from leading bulge bracket institutions, most recently serving as Managing Director and Group Head at Deutsche Bank’s Private Bank. His distinguished career also includes senior positions in private banking and wealth management at other financial powerhouses including DBS Private Bank, UBS, and the Citi Private Bank.
Commenting on his appointment, Shankar Jha said, “Sophisticated investors are increasingly recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions are no longer sufficient. The future of wealth management lies in bespoke advisory services that are completely aligned with clients’ investment objectives. I’m excited to contribute to this transformative shift through my role at Alpha Quest, a firm whose leadership I’ve long admired. Together, we’ll work to reinforce Singapore’s status as the premier jurisdiction for discerning investors seeking world-class talent and tailored financial solutions.”
Vinit Sarangdhar, CEO of Alpha Quest, stated, “We are committed to working in the clients’ interest at all times, providing them with unbiased advise, professional service and best in class products and solutions. Shankar’s extensive experience and expertise in Wealth Management will be instrumental in enhancing the Company’s coverage and driving its growth.”
Hashtag: #AlphaQuest
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Alpha Quest Pte. Ltd.
Alpha Quest holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) license issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in providing advisory and discretionary portfolio management service, manages VCC structures and provides family office services to wealthy families across Asia and beyond.
POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE Unveils Breakthrough Microbiome Analyzer to Offer Science-Based Skincare Recommendations
The new technology, being piloted with Watsons Philippines, has the power to revolutionize the way consumers identify and address their unique skincare needs
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2024 – POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE has debuted a revolutionary Microbiome Analyzer that deciphers the complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing on the skin and delivers insights that empower consumers to make more precise choices for achieving their ultimate skin. A step change in beauty tech, the state-of-the-art test that generates a customized microbiome report, identifies users’ unique skin profile and recommends a complete day and night skincare regimen best suited to their individualized results.

“At the POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE, we’re constantly innovating to help people achieve their ultimate skin, and we’re thrilled to reveal the Microbiome Analyzer as our latest beauty breakthrough,” said LUCIA LIU, R&D Platform Lead for POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE. “Invisible to the naked eye, the microbiome holds specific information about how to enhance your skin and guide your skincare routine. Leveraging our unrivaled expertise in microbiome science, this new technology is a game-changer in making that data accessible, comprehensible, and actionable.”

The skin microbiome, an intricate ecosystem unique to every individual, plays an important role in maintaining skin health and produces important nutrients to support our skin’s beauty needs, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It dynamically responds to external factors such as weather, pollution, UV exposure, cosmetics, stress, sleep, and exercise and imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to various skin concerns, including dryness, sensitivity, acne, and premature aging. By gaining a deeper understanding of the skin microbiome, individuals can better address their specific skincare needs.
The POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE Microbiome Analyzer utilizes rapid profiling and innovative data tools to facilitate identification of users’ microbiome signature. Consumers will learn about their skincare needs and be recommended a suitable skincare regimen, based on their microbiome characteristics. The process is simple. Here’s how it works:
- Provide a Sample: An on-site beauty advisor will assist in collecting a microbiome sample. All it takes is a gentle swab of your skin.
- Test Processing: The sample will be processed and within 60mins, the analysis will be completed.
- Custom Skincare Consultation: Your beauty advisor will generate your microbiome report, including personalized skincare recommendations.

The tool integrates the latest product innovations available from POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE, such as the new Age Miracle Ultimate Youth Serum with Hexyl-Retinol™ that boosts collagen for reduced wrinkle appearance and plumper skin, and the new Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Serum with Niasorcinol™ that repairs skin up to 10 layers deep and fades dark spots.
Hashtag: #pondsskininstitute #skincare
https://www.instagram.com/pondsph/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE
As a brand of firsts, in 1978 it raised the bar in skincare technologies as the originator of Niacinamide, which has become a one of the most valuable and versatile skincare ingredients in a formulator’s arsenal, renowned for its ability to brighten the skin and soften the appearance of pores. It was preceded by the creation of the brand’s Cold Cream, Vanishing Cream and Repairing Serum.
Today, POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE is a global community of 700 researchers working to discover and advance scientific breakthroughs that can help people achieve their most ultimate skin. Its frontier is the Nobel-Prize winning science of autophagy and skin’s natural repair and rejuvenation processes, which is core to the brand’s innovations and product solutions that help skin remain resilient, healthy, and full of vitality.
Throughout its steeped history, POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE boasts more than 5,000 patents worldwide across its five global R&D centers that are dedicated to the ongoing development of technologies and ingredients that will care for skin today, tomorrow, and beyond.